For the Reporter
The Washington State Legislature reached agreement on a new bipartisan transportation investment package that invests more than $16 billion to maintain existing and build new infrastructure.
Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, co-sponsored and spent two years negotiating the legislation, which also institutes a series of reforms to protect taxpayers and make projects less expensive.
“This plan will help get people to work, put people to work and make the department of transportation work better,” said Fain, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and represents Kent. “The Puget Sound population and economy continue to grow. More people and more jobs mean increased demands from drivers, transit riders, pedestrians and bicyclists.”
South King County will see the long-awaited completion of State Routes 509 and 167, reducing congestion and dramatically improving the ability to move freight to both major ports from manufacturing centers.
“Sen. Fain’s work to pass the transportation proposal in the Senate back in March was key to finally getting the entire Legislature to act following this multi-year process,” said Nancy Wyatt, president and CEO of the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our residents and businesses thank Senator Fain for his tireless advocacy on behalf of South King County and the entire state to building a transportation system that works.”
Much of the funding comes through an 11.9 cent increase in the state gas tax that would be phased in over two years.
“An effective multi-modal transportation system is key for Kent residents to get where they need to go more efficiently, and is critical for our manufacturing corridor and local economy,” said Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke. “Having advocated for a transportation package we’re pleased to see the Legislature take this step and appreciate Sen. Fain’s leadership by representing our priorities in Olympia.”
Kent would also see the grade separation of South 228th Street over the Union Pacific railroad tracks at a cost of $15 million, significantly reducing area congestion due to increasing train traffic.
Other congestion-relief projects in the area would include widening of Interstate 405 from Renton to Bellevue and upgrades to the interchange of Interstate 5 and State Route 18 in Federal Way. Both projects would decrease congestion and improve safety.
Another critical investment includes $150 million to re-design and build the highly congested and dangerous interchange between Interstate 90 and State Route 18 in Snoqualmie, improving commute times and safety.
“As we ask taxpayers to make a major investment in something that’s so important to Washington’s future, it’s essential to also ensure they’ll get better value for their tax dollars,” Fain said.
Right now the state pays sales tax on highway projects, spending gas taxes on non-transportation projects. The new plan will require gas tax dollars to only go toward transportation projects beginning in 2019.
Other reforms included permitting efficiencies to save money and time as well as contracting, reforms, reducing financial risks to the state.
In addition to the reform bills the Senate passed each of the three bills required to implement the package. The House of Representatives has voted on the gas tax increase and is expected to complete its work in the coming weeks.
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